He may be a $100 mutt from the SPCA,
but Max now has a $1,000 ear.

About a month ago we were watching TV in a
darkened room with our two dogs keeping us
company. Max was sleeping, and Becky -
the other dog in this gallery - was quietly
eyeing a well-chewed soup bone beside Max.

Becky saw her opportunity and made a lunge
for the bone. Unfortunately Max's ear was
on the bone, and Becky chomped the end off.
Naturally Max was very irate for a while, but
he seemed to forgive and forget rather quickly.

We had to take him to the vet for repairs.
The original surgery was $750, and follow-up
trips (including ferry rides) added to the cost.

Now when Max is listening for deer (as in
this photo) his much lighter left ear pokes
up like a bat's ear. He doesn't seem to mind,
but then he didn't have to pay the bill.